BETHEL – A game changer for the Catskills and the Hudson Valley is how Governor Andrew Cuomo described the passage of Proposal 1, to legalize casino gambling in New York. He came to Bethel Woods Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, the day after the state constitutional amendment was approved.
Cuomo, Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther (D, Forestburgh), State Senator John Bonacic (R, Mount Hope) and local officials heralded the change to the New York State Constitution as the boost this area’s economy needs.
The casinos are projected to bring in 10,000 jobs and $200 million for schools and property tax relief.
“You have workers in these facilities that are making 40, 50, 60 thousand dollars per year,” Cuomo said. “So these are good, well-paying jobs. And they are permanent jobs, not to mention the construction jobs that hundreds of millions of dollars in construction will bring in. So there is no doubt that there will be a significant boost to the economy.”
Gunther explained that she will work as a liaison between the governor’s office, the unions, the local officials, and the Concord to make certain the process is expedited.
“It’s important that we work together and have this dream come to fruition,” Gunther said.
Casinos, gaming, and resort destinations are the element that is going to get the economic engine of New York going again, according to Cuomo.
“And now we are just going to let the Catskills and the Hudson Valley do what they do naturally, which is shine,” the governor said.